City switches parking systems

PORTSMOUTH — The city has officially started rolling out a new in-vehicle parking meter system called EasyPark.

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By Charles McMahon

seacoastonline.com

By Charles McMahon

Posted Jan. 16, 2013 at 7:35 PM
Updated Jan 16, 2013 at 7:39 PM

By Charles McMahon

Posted Jan. 16, 2013 at 7:35 PM
Updated Jan 16, 2013 at 7:39 PM

» Social News

PORTSMOUTH — The city has officially started rolling out a new in-vehicle parking meter system called EasyPark.

The change comes as a result of the city signing a new agreement with OTI America Inc.

The city had an agreement with ePark Systems, provider of the in-dash iPark device, but ultimately chose to explore other opportunities. OTI recently contracted with Dover, the second U.S. city to adopt the EasyPark system. Other EasyPark contracts have been signed with the University of California-Davis and the city of Austin, Texas.

The in-dash device offered by OTI America Inc. is considered to be an alternative to the city’s pay-and-display parking meters, and allows the user to pay online ahead of time, then place the EasyPark device on his or her vehicle’s dashboard. It displays a running meter, eliminating the need to use the pay-and-display kiosk.

First-time customers who would like to purchase an EasyPark unit can do so online by visiting www.easyparkusa.com/portsmouth.

The devices cost $19.95 plus shipping.

To help new customers get started, the city is providing EasyPark units ordered before July 1 with a $10 pre-loaded credit. The city is also working to set up procedures enabling new customers to purchase the EasyPark devices locally.

The transition process began this week with the city notifying owners of the iPark in-vehicle parking meter system that they could begin the switch to EasyPark.

Beginning Feb. 1, customers who use the iPark units will no longer be able to update those devices for the new parking rates and time limits because the required access will no longer be available.

Local owners of the iPark devices can exchange their units for the EasyPark devices at the Portsmouth Department of Public Works through Friday, Jan. 18.

While customers were notified via e-mail last week, Cocchiaro said Wednesday that so far, only about one-third of the existing customers have exchanged units.

Those who did not receive notification of the transition can still exchange their devices through the end of the week. After that time, units may be exchanged at the parking clerk’s office in City Hall, at 1 Junkins Ave.

Those who choose not to move to the EasyPark system can apply to receive refunds for the balance of funds displayed on their devices. Call Tom Cocchiaro, parking operations supervisor, at 766-1440, or e-mail tacocchiaro@cityofportsmouth.com for details.

Information related to the exchange process, and downloadable exchange forms, are available online at www.cityofportsmouth.com/transportation/news-ipark.htm.

For information on EasyPark and procedures for existing and new customers, visit www.easyparkusa.com/portsmouth.